How would you describe your own “zen life” philosophy?

Being mindful and living consciously, showing up in your day-to-day life. Always coming from a place of love and spreading it far and wide, listening to your body, challenging your mind, making time for yourself, eating a healthy but balanced diet, moving your body, engaging and surrounding yourself with positive people that light you up and encourage you, resting and finding stillness (less clutter less busy), being mindful in your interactions, consciously choosing to care for the environment and animals and easing your eco-footprint on the world so we can preserve it for our children and our children’s children.

Sneakers, heels or barefoot?

Always barefoot haha! At home you will rarely find me with shoes on, I love being grounded and feeling the connection to the earth and my surroundings. When I am out and about I am usually in sneakers or some easy slip on / off sandals. I rarely wear heels unless it is for an occasion.

What is your take on the “athleisure” trend?

I love it! I think it’s great and while you won’t find me in my athleisure gear 24/7 – as a mum always on the go I am looking for comfortable, practical wardrobe pieces that still look good. That’s why this style suits me because it means on days when I am running around, I can drop my son off at pre-school, do errands, maybe get a quick gym session in before picking him up and it’s practical, comfortable and ‘no-fuss’.

Favourite dish to cook…

Hmmm this is a tough one, but I would have to say my eggplant parmigiana! It’s definitely a ‘go-to’ in our house and it’s a fav with my friends when they come over for dinner! I am also a total sucker for Mexican so we often have Mexican feasts with lots of guac and chips, quesadillas and tacos. I’ve learnt as a mama that quesadillas are perfect to sneak greens and beans into for the kids!

Workout I’m currently obsessed with…

At the moment I am loving a good old fashioned gym workout – because I have been traveling so much for work lately, it is something I know I can always do as there is always a gym in my hotel or nearby. When I am home I really enjoy my mom and bub yoga classes!

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received…

Follow your heart! If you lead your life and make all your decisions from a heart-centred place you are on the right track.

Tell us something about yourself that most would find surprising…

I love true crime shows! Well, it’s more than love – I am obsessed with anything related to true crime, cold cases, murder mysteries. My ideal night in is with the hubs, on the couch watching true crime!

What is your personal food and fitness philosophy?

When it comes to food and fitness I think it’s really important to listen to your body, tap into your instincts and do what is right for you at the time. I don’t believe in diets or limiting yourself from a treat. My fitness philosophy is quite similar, consciously make an effort to listen to your body and also mix it up, I feel stagnant when I constantly have the same routine. Sometimes your body wants intense cardio and other times you will find it responds better to a gentle yoga session or going on a hike. It is really important not to feel guilty if you miss a day of exercise or indulge in an ice-cream or some chocolate.

Most romantic thing someone has done for you…

I would have to say when my husband and I met, whilst technically it wasn’t something he did for me, more something we chose together. We wrote love letters to each other for 40 days via email and got to know each other that way prior to meeting. To me, it was the epitome of romance and allowed us to get to know each other on a deeper level and fall in love with each other’s spirits as opposed to anything physical.

Who inspires you?

My mum is my number one ultimate inspiration. She is the most selfless, pure of heart, sweet, caring, compassionate human being I know – she is the definition of love and I’m so glad my son can learn by her example.

Favourite place to visit in Australia and why…

Adelaide – it’s always home and will always have a huge chunk of my heart! I have recently purchased my dads property and will be aiming to spend much more time there from now on, I really want my son to have a part of his upbringing in Australia and get to have fond experiences similar to my own childhood. I have to say, even though I may be biased, we have some of the most amazing beaches in my opinion too!

What is playing on your iPod right now?

I am always changing up what I am listening to on my iPod but right now it ranges from moody and cinematic electronic music like Brian Eno, to underground rap battle hip hop artists like Big L and KRS- one then on to Moby and Nirvana. Quite an eclectic mixed bag and really depends on the state of my mind at the time!

Favourite quote…

Be The Change You Wish To See In The World – Gandhi

What can we expect to see from Teresa Palmer in 2016?

Well, physically you may see a lot of me as I have quite a few movies coming out! I have worked back to back to back since Bodhi was born and the films are all being released this year. I am also currently busy directing a film with my husband in Philadelphia which we are excited to share with the world. I have the new YZL launch as well as Your Zen Mama which I am currently working on with my friend Sarah Wright Olsen and will be launching soon.

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First thing I did when I woke up this morning…

I went onto the balcony to take a photo of the sunrise! It was very pretty this morning.

Do you have a daily mantra? If yes, what is it?

I don’t think I really have a mantra, but I try to be kind to everyone I come across. I also went to an amazing yoga studio in LA and they always had the mantra ‘I am…’ and you’d fill in something positive. So if I’m having a yucky day I like to include that in some yoga or on a run. Positive self talk can be really helpful!

What is your personal food and fitness philosophy?

Balance is essential! I try to eat healthy as much as I can, and when I feel like something not so great I just watch my portion sizes. I don’t believe in feeling guilty. I also eat and workout to be healthy and strong, I think with this mentality you’re more likely to keep up the motivation.

Sneakers, heels or barefoot?

Barefoot for sure!

Favourite secret cheat food?

Peanut butter on toast.

Top of your bucket list…

I would like to sky dive.

Can’t live without…

My friends and family, I have the most amazing support group.

Favourite account to follow on Instagram and why…

I like to follow food accounts, they make me get off my butt and cook something delicious and experiment.

Workout I’m currently obsessed with…

I’ve started doing body balance a lot more regularly, it’s a mix between yoga, Pilates and thai chi, I really enjoy it and always feel amazing afterwards!

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What does beauty mean to you?

The most beautiful people I know are kind, honest and loving. This to me is a recipe for beauty.

“If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” Roald Dahl

What most people don’t know about me…

I am currently exploring music. I picked up my first musical instrument very late in life and have discovered an incredible new outlet. I am creating music and finding my voice. It has been incredibly empowering.

Which colour reflects your personality and why?

This is a tough one to answer. I tend to be a bit of a chameleon so sometimes I prefer to wrap myself in neutral tones, but other times I embrace colour.

Do you believe in karma?

I sure do. Karma to me is energy. What we put out into the world is reflected back to us. I have experienced this continually in my life. To use a well-known phrase, “what we reap, we sew”. Love grows love.

What is most important, strong in mind or strong in body?

What the mind can imagine, the body can deliver. “What we think, we become.”

Do you collect anything? If so, what?

Photos – memories of places I have been and people I have shared moments with.

How do you de-stress?

By finding stillness and returning to my breath. This moment of mindfulness floods my brain and body with calm. Activities that help me de-stress are: meditation, yoga, rock climbing, gardening, cooking and playing my uke.

What is your favourite quote?

I am a bit of a quote freak so there are so many that I love! One that I can’t go past though is, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Gandhi.

3 words to describe myself

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Where are you right now?

At work…shh!

What most people don’t know about me…

I suck at sport and I never used to like the outdoors. At school I dropped physical education as a subject as soon as I was able to. I would always be the kind of child to play inside on the computer and with my toys etc. Now I crave movement and need to go to the gym or for a walk daily and I love being outside in the sunshine on a nice day! (I still suck at sport though!)

What’s on your bedside table?

A lamp, a photo of my boyfriend and I, lip balm and a jar of coconut oil that I apply to my hands as moisturising cream.

Do you believe in ghosts?

I’m going to say…no.

What is most important, strong in mind or strong in body?

Strong in mind, so you are able to cope with negative situations more effectively and be able to feel comfortable within yourself as a person.

Do you collect anything? If so, what?

Jars! I always de-label, clean and keep empty jars and use them as containers for my pantry or to drink from. And calendars and birthday cards…a habit I inherited from my mum.

What’s the best healthy living advice you’ve ever been given?

The benefits of a plant-based vegan diet. There is nothing healthier for yourself & the planet!

Sneakers or heels?

Sneakers for sure. I do like to feel pretty in heels from time to time though.

What is your favourite quote?

I have a few that I love, one being, “Your life is only as good as your mindset.” Many millionaires could be utterly depressed and many people who have nothing may be able to find joy in the smallest of things and have a higher appreciation for life. As soon as I taught myself to think positively, my life changed!

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What most people don’t know about me…

I used to be so scared of everything – seriously nervous! I couldn’t sleep away from home until I was 13 years old. Thankfully I’ve grown out of my fearfulness and now I love the rush of adrenalin!

Do you believe in ghosts?

As in floating souls of the dead? …Not so much.

What is most important, strong in mind or strong in body?

I believe being strong in mind and spirit enables you to achieve a strong body. A strong body requires a positive attitude and discipline – both of which come from a strong mind.

Do you collect anything? If so, what?

I love to cook and bake, so I’m always on the look out for vintage glassware, dishes, jars and interesting utensils. I’ve started slowing my collecting down now and if something isn’t used in a few months, I give it away.

What is the best healthy living advice you’ve ever been given?

Make your exercise incidental. If you can make exercise part of how your day functions – it’s the best! Walking or cycling to work, carrying groceries in a backpack, wearing your baby on walks, dancing in the kitchen, and always taking the stairs. Another is food! If you can replicate that food product in your kitchen, you can eat it (I’ve learnt how to make puff pastry for this very reason!)

Sneakers or heels?

Heels! They make me feel great (for a short time, until I return to bare feet…which is my absolute fave).

What is your favourite quote?

“Friendship is born at that moment when one man says to another: “What! You too? I thought that no one but myself…”” – C.S Lewis

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What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty to me means being comfortable in your own skin. It goes deeper than the surface. How you feel in the heart, soul and mind is the most important kind of beauty. The confidence you have within to embrace your own unique qualities will shine beauty on the outside as well.

What is your favourite quote?

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What does beauty mean to you?

Being comfortable in your own skin and being courageous enough to allow yourself to be truly seen, in all your glorious imperfections. Being willing to stand-alone and not follow trends for the sake of fitting in. That’s true beauty.

What most people don’t know about me…

I really love a good steak.

Which colour reflects your personality and why?

I want to say all the colours of the rainbow! Some days I love earthy grounded colours, other days I want to jump from the rooftops in hot pink, and sometimes it has to be black. I think that sums up my personality. Just to be clear I’m not saying I have multiple personalities, rather that my personality can’t be limited to one colour ????

Do you believe in karma?

I think so. But the older I get the less I realise I know. I prefer to be in a space of not knowing rather than presuming I have all the answers.

What is most important, strong in mind or strong in body?

When I teach yoga I often refer to the ‘energetic body mind structure’ that makes up our being so in some ways I don’t really see a distinction. But ultimately the physical body can be flailing and weak and yet still have complete mental freedom and clarity. So it’s the mind that we should give greater care to than the body.

Do you collect anything? If so, what?

I’m all about minimal living, so I have the opposite issue – I throw too much away!